Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

As soon as he heard that his cousin Robby was coming to visit for the weekend, Kevin knew there would be trouble.  It wasn't that he didn't like Robby.  It was just that Robby often had ideas that Kevin knew displeased his parents--and the Lord.  It's so hard to always tell him no, thought Kevin, but I'm going to do it.  He reminded himself of a recent Sunday school lesson about the time Jesus was tempted.  Jesus never gave in, and I'm going to ask Him to help me not give in, either, decided Kevin.  Jesus was tempted, too, so He'll understand the problem.

    As Kevin expected, from the moment Robby arrived, he was full of plans.  "Hey, Kevin," whispered Robby, "those kids next door are having a picnic.  Let's take the hose and squirt water over the fence.  Boy, will they be surprised!"

    Kevin grinned and started to pick up the hose, but then he stopped.  He knew his parents had been witnessing to those neighbors, and besides, it was wrong anyway.  "No, Robby," he said, shaking his head, "we shouldn't do that."

    All weekend, Robby suggested various things.  Some sounded like fun, but Kevin knew they were wrong.  For instance, it would be wrong to secretly paint pictures on the neighbor's sidewalk.  That would be hurting someone else's property.  It would also be wrong to read his sister's diary.  Kevin knew everyone should respect the privacy of other people.  So Kevin continued to say "no."   

    "Wow," he said when Robby had gotten on the train to go home.  "I made it!  I didn't yield to Robby's tempting once.  I asked God to help me say no, and He did!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
What do you do when a friend tries to get you to do something wrong?  Giving in to temptation might seem like fun at the moment, so sometimes it's hard to say "no."  Jesus understands what you're going through.  When you're tempted to play nasty tricks, to cheat just a little, to read something not meant for your eyes--or whatever the temptation is--you can tell Jesus about it.  If you sincerely ask for help to overcome the temptation, He will give it.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Corinthians 10:13  G)
God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

[Soldier4Christ]

It sure has rained a lot, said Andy as he and Pete dodged a mud puddle.

    "Yeah," replied Pete.  "I dare you to try and jump over that puddle without getting wet."

    "Nothing to it," declared Andy.  He studied the puddle and frowned.  He backed off a few steps and then began running, gathering speed as he went.  Just before he jumped, he hesitated a little, and the next thing he knew, he landed right in the middle of the puddle.

    Pete laughed.  "What made you miss?" he asked.  "I thought maybe you were going to make it after all."

    "I thought I would, too," replied Andy, "but just when I got up to the puddle, a mosquito flew in my face.  I slapped at it, and it threw me off balance."   He eyed his muddy clothes.  "I sure hope my mom doesn't get mad when she sees me," he added.   "I'm a mess."

    "Yeah. . .but better you than me," said Pete.  "Your mom is so understanding and. . .and peaceful."  He sighed.  "What good are mosquitoes, do you suppose?  Sometimes I even wonder what good I am."  Andy just stood there, not sure what he should say.  "I've gotta get home," added Pete, "or my mom will say, 'Where is that boy?'  Then I'll be in trouble even if I'm not muddy."  Andy laughed at Pete's imitation of his mother, and the boys hurried home.

    "Pete and you are together a lot," said Andy's mom when she saw his muddy clothes and heard what had happened.  "Have you ever told him about Jesus?"

    "No, I haven't," admitted Andy, "but I've thought about it."  He felt guilty as he remembered his conversation with Pete just that afternoon.  There had been opportunities to witness, but he had let them slip by.  He could have told Pete that one reason his mother was calm and understanding was because she was a Christian and at peace with God.  He could have said that God had a purpose for everything, even mosquitoes.  He could have shared that God had a plan for Pete's life, too.  But he had kept still.

    "Is it okay if I call Pete and invite him over for supper?" he asked.  "There are some things I have to talk to him about."

    Mother smiled.  "Sure," she said.  "We'll be glad to have him come.  Give him a call."

    Andy headed for the phone.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you witness to your friends?  Watch for chances to speak a word for Christ.  Pray about it, and you'll be surprised how many opportunities come your way.  Don't be silent when you have a chance to share the gospel.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Acts 4:20  F)
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

[Soldier4Christ]

Andy was determined to witness to his friend, Pete, though he didn't really know just what to say.  But he was surprised to find that when he opened his mouth to tell Pete about Jesus, it wasn't as hard as he expected it to be.  He was further surprised to find that Pete was interested.  It wasn't long before Pete was attending Sunday school with Andy, and only a little longer before Pete accepted Jesus as Savior.

    Early one morning, Andy's mother came into his bedroom, and he could tell by her face that something was wrong.  "I have something sad to tell you," she said, sitting down on the edge of his bed.  "Pete died last evening."

    "What?" Andy sat up straight.  He couldn't believe his ears.

    "Pete's mom just called.  While Pete was playing near the river in the woods, he lost his balance and fell in.  He apparently hit his head, and he drowned."

    "It can't be!" sobbed Andy.  "We have plans for today."  His mom hugged him.  "Mom, where is Pete?" Andy asked suddenly.  "Is he in heaven?"

    "I think you know the answer to that," said Mother.  "Was Pete a Christian?"

    "Sure," said Andy.  "So he's gone to heaven, right?  He asked Jesus to save him after Sunday school a couple of weeks ago.  Don't you remember?"

    "I remember."  Mother nodded.  "Since Pete trusted Christ as his Savior, his soul is in heaven now."

    "And if he hadn't. . .he'd be lost--he'd be in hell now."  Andy shuddered at the very thought.  "Oh, I'm so glad I finally told him about Jesus."  He took the tissue Mother handed him and wiped his eyes.  Mother put her arms around him as he again broke into great sobs.  "I'll miss him so much, but I'm so glad I'll see him in heaven some day."    




HOW ABOUT YOU?
If you suddenly died today, where would you go?  If Christ is your Savior, you'd go to heaven, but if He isn't, you'd be lost in hell.  That's not at all pleasant to think about, but it's true.  Make sure you are ready--that you are among those who will go into "life eternal."  Receive Jesus today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Matthew 25:46  A)
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

[Soldier4Christ]

Scott glanced nervously out the school window.  All day it had looked stormy, and he hoped there wasn't going to be another tornado alert today.  Sighing, he tried to concentrate on his math lesson.

    As Scott began the first problem, a bell rang.   "Tornado drill," said Miss Greely.  "Take a large book and file quietly into the hall, children."  Quickly they obeyed, taking their places in the school's inner hall and putting the books over their heads as they had done many times before.  But there was something different today.  Scott could hear a siren blowing, and as he listened, he knew it came from a nearby fire station.  It was a signal to the town that a tornado funnel had been seen nearby.

    Scott had never been so scared before!  But as he sat, trembling, he remembered something Dad had said just the weekend before.  They had gone swimming, and as Dad walked out into the deep water, Scott's little brother, Brian, hung on to Dad's shoulders.  "Are you scared in the deep water, Brian?" Scott had asked.  Brian had shaken his head and said, "Nope.  Dad's got me."  Dad had laughed as he replied, "Good boy!   I'm in control here, and I'm glad you trust your father."  Then he had added, "I hope both you boys will remember that you can always trust your Father in heaven, too.  He's in control of all the circumstances of your lives."  As Scott remembered that, he felt better.

    A few minutes later, Scott heard a roaring sound.  It began softly, but got louder and louder.  It almost sounded like a train rushing by.  He had heard that a tornado sounded that way.  I'm still scared, Scott thought, but not so awfully scared.  God's my heavenly Father, and He's in control.  I can trust Him--even if a tornado hits.

    Finally the "all clear" whistle sounded, and soon the children were dismissed to go home.  They learned that a tornado had indeed passed by, very close to the outskirts of the town, and not far from their school.  Much damage had been done, but no one had been hurt.  With his family, Scott thanked God for watching over them.   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Storms can be frightening, can't they?  They are powerful and can cause a lot of damage.  But God is even more powerful.  When the lightning flashes, the thunder rolls, and the wind whistles through the trees, remember that God is in control of all those things.  He will allow only what is best for you. 


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 4:41  W)
What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

[Soldier4Christ]

The tornado that passed by so close to Scott's town was the subject of conversation for many days.  Scott and his family heard stories of many strange things that had been caused by the strong winds.  Then one day, Dad came home with a piece of a log.  "What's that for?" asked Scott.

    Dad held it out, and Scott saw that a piece of straw was sticking out from the wood.  "One of the fellows at work found this on his property," said Dad.  "His place was right on the edge of the storm."

    "Wow!" marveled Scott.  "How could the wind take something as weak as that little straw and drive it right into the hard wood without even bending it?"

    "It took a stronger force than we could exert--a special kind of power," said Dad.  "I've been thinking about that all afternoon, and as a result, I've decided to teach that class of boys I've been offered."

    "What's that got to do with this wood?" asked Scott.

    "Well, this straw was weak, but powered by the storm, it became very strong," said Dad.  "I'm weak, too.  I was afraid I wouldn't be able to hold the interest of the class.  But this afternoon the Lord showed me that I have a special kind of power available to me--the power of the Holy Spirit.  With His power, I believe I can be of help to those boys."  He paused for a moment before adding, "I thought about you, too."

    "Me?" Scott was startled.

    Dad nodded.  "I heard your kids' choir director ask you to sing a solo on youth night.  She says you have a fine voice."

    "But I get so nervous," began Scott, "and I. . . ."  He stopped.  A moment later he grinned at his dad.  "But I have a special power available to me, too, don't I?  God will help me sing for Him." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you feel too "weak" to sing, give a testimony, make posters, or take part in some other activity for which God has given you a talent?  If you're a Christian, a special power--God's power--is available to you.  Are you using it?  Ask Him to help you, and then say "yes" to the opportunities He gives to serve Him.  He won't let you down.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 12:9  A)
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Our Sunday school contest isn't fair, complained Stephen one Saturday morning.  "It's called 'Fishing for Jesus,' and we're supposed to bring visitors and give out tracts and stuff.  But my friends already go to Sunday school, so I don't have anybody to invite."  Stephen sighed.  "The prize is a fishing rod, and I sure could use that!"

    "Hm-m-m," murmured Dad.  He looked thoughtful.  "Speaking of fishing, I heard they've been biting lately.  Care to go?"

    "Whoopee!" yelled Stephen.  "I'll go get ready right now."

    "Okay."  Dad nodded.  "I'll get the fishing gear.  Meet me out in the back yard, as soon as you're ready."

    When Stephen ran out the back door a little later, he stopped short and stared.  Dad was sitting in a lawn chair, holding his fishing rod.  His hook lay on the grass, and Dad watched it intently.  "Sh-h-h!" Dad cautioned him.  "I'm fishing.  Don't scare them away."

    "Fishing!" exclaimed Stephen as he looked at the hook and then looked back at his dad.  "What are you talking about?  You know there aren't any fish here.  C'mon, Dad.  Let's go where the fish are."

    Dad looked up.  "You know," he said, "that's a very good idea."  He reeled in his line and got up.  "Come on.  The fish aren't far from here.  We'll go to Peerson's Lake."  He looked at Stephen as he added, "Good thing I wasn't trying to catch the most fish for a contest, or something, isn't it?  I sure wouldn't have won."  Stephen was quite sure he knew what Dad would say next.  "You need to go where the 'fish' are for your contest, too, and I think you'll find they're not far away."

    "Yeah," murmured Stephen.  "Maybe that new kid down the street would come.  And I could ask Mary, who sits across from me at school--I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask a girl.  I'll make a couple phone calls when we get home." 




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do all your friends already know Jesus?  It's wonderful if they do, but don't take it for granted.  Talk to them about the Lord.  And don't limit your witness just to those you know best.  Jesus wants you to bring others to Him.  To do that, you may have to go outside your circle of friends.  Look around.  You probably won't have to go very far to be a fisherman for Jesus.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Mark 1:17  A)
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

[Soldier4Christ]

Amanda panted as she pulled her Labrador puppy into the house.  Prince was only six months old, but he was strong and already weighed half as much as Amanda.  Mom looked up from setting the table and smiled.  "I'm not sure who took who for a walk," she said.

    Amanda frowned.  "Prince makes me so mad," she complained.  "He tugs and pulls on the leash the whole way.  He acts like he knows where he's going!  If I let him go wherever he wants to, he'llájust get us lost, but he's not smart enough to know that."

    "He's still just a puppy," said Mom.

    "I know," grumbled Amanda, "but he should know that I'm his owner and listen to me.  He should let me lead him."

    "Maybe we'll have to take him to dog obedience school," said Mom, "or at least start some dog obedience lessons on our own."  Mom studied Amanda a moment, then said softly, "Sometimes people behave a lot like Prince.  Sometimes they pull and tug on their 'leashes,' too. . .not listening to God or to parents who really know best.  Like last week when I wouldn't let you go to Jessica's party.  I'm not sure you've quite forgiven me for that yet!"

    Amanda felt embarrassed.  "I guess I have been acting pretty bad, haven't I?  But I've gotta admit you were right about that.  Jessica's parents weren't home and I found out today that some of the kids got so loud, the neighbors called the police.  I'm really glad I wasn't there."

    "I'm glad you weren't, too!" exclaimed Mom in surprise.

    Amanda sighed.  "Just like Prince, I wanted my own way even though you knew better," she said.  "I'm really sorry."

    Mom gave her a hug.  "It's hard for all of us to remember that we are not wise enough to choose our own way," she said.  "That's why God gave children parents.  And that's why we all need to rely on God."

    Amanda nodded.  "From now on, I'll try to do less tugging and more listening," she promised.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
How do you respond when your parents, grandparents, or other adults direct or discipline you?  Do you realize that they may know the best path for your life?  God provided them for you because He knows they may help you avoid some of the dangers ahead.  Don't insist on your own path.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 4:11  I)
I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

[Soldier4Christ]

We're going to my grandmother's for spring vacation, said Alan as he and
his friend, John walked home from school. "She lives in Pennsylvania, and we
always have fun at her house. On Easter Sunday, we go to Grandma's church too.
They have an early morning service--a sunrise service. We meet outside and watch
the sun rise. It's cool."
 

    John shrugged.  "Come in for a minute," he said as they approached his house.  "I'll show you something."  Alan followed John into the house.  "Look!" said John, pointing to a shelf in the kitchen.  "That's our god--Buddha."  Alan stared.  There, on a shelf, stood a strange-looking little statue.  Alan had heard a lot about idols, but he had never seen one before.  "You can't even see your god," continued John, "but our Buddha is right in our kitchen."      "But the Bible says there's only one true God," protested Alan.

    "Nah," scoffed John.  "My mom says it doesn't really make any difference which god you believe in, just as long as you're sincere and do your best.  I'd rather have a god you can see than an invisible one."

    Alan wasn't sure what  to say.  He was still thinking about it as the boys walked to school the next morning.  When he saw a large stone along the sidewalk, he had an idea.  He picked it up.  "Hey, I think I'll make this my god," he said.  "It will fit right in my pocket, so that way I can have it with me all the time and pray to it whenever I want to."

>    "You've gotta be kidding," said John in surprise.  "That's just an old stone.  It can't hear you when you pray.  It can't take care of you!"

>    "Well, your Buddha can't, either," retorted Alan.  "It's just a piece of brass!"  John looked a bit startled.  "Even if I can't see Him, Jesus is alive," continued Alan.  "I'd rather have a God I can't see but who is alive and can hear me than one I can see but that can't hear me.  Think about it."






HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you ever seen an idol?  Don't you wonder why people think a man-made figure can hear them pray?  If you're a Christian, be thankful that you know the true, living God.  He knows everything there is to know about you, and He loves you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you.  Be thankful that Jesus rose from the dead and that you serve a God who is alive.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Daniel 6:26  F)
Fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and steadfast for ever.

[Soldier4Christ]

While Dad read a Scripture passage for family devotions, Todd thought about his ball game.  Suddenly he realized that everyone was looking at him.  "Todd!  It's your turn," said Dad.  "I'm afraid you haven't been paying attention again."

    "Oh!  My turn?  Uh. . .for what?" asked Todd.

    "We're taking turns telling specific things we want to praise God for," explained Dad.

    "Well, let me see. . . ."  Todd screwed up his face and tried to think.  His little sister wriggled impatiently in the chair next to him.  Finally, Dad called on someone else.

    The next afternoon, Todd received a shock when he went to his room.  "Mom!" he called frantically.  "Oscar's dead!"

    When Mother came into the room, Todd was holding a small jar with Oscar, his goldfish, lying very still at the bottom.  The jar was almost dry.  "Where's his water?" asked Mother.

    "I started changing it, and I had just scooped Oscar into this jar when Mark stopped for me on the way to school.  I thought he could live in here for a while," explained Todd.  "When I came home, this is how I found him."

    "Todd, you know fish have to live in water," said Mother.

    "I know. . .but there is water in this jar," protested Todd.  "Why do they need so much?"

    "That's just the way God made them," replied Mother.  "The water in that little jar is simply not deep enough!"

    During family devotions that evening, Todd was again inattentive.  Finally, Mother said, "Todd, remember when we talked about how God made fish to live in water?  Without enough water, they will die.  Well, God made His children a certain way, too.  He made them to worship and praise Him."

    Dad nodded.  "That's right, Son," he said.

    Todd's eyes opened wide.  "You mean. . .if I don't praise and worship God, I'll die--like Oscar did?" he asked.

    "No, but you will become weak spiritually if you live apart from God's purpose for you," said Dad.  "I think you need to ask God to help you worship and praise Him with your whole heart."   




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your mouth filled with praise for God?  Do you praise Him at home, on the school bus, in your classroom, on the playground?  Have you praised Him today?  Have you thought about what a great God He is and worshipped Him?  Take a few minutes right now to do that.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Peter 2:9  B)
But ye are a chosen generation. . .that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

[Soldier4Christ]

Jason was baby-sitting his little brother, Josh.  The afternoon had started out fine, but then the phone rang.  It was Jason's friend Hal, and the boys talked quite a while before Jason returned to the kitchen where he had left Josh.  But his brother was no longer there.  Suspicious noises were coming from the bathroom, so Jason hurried to see what Josh was up to.  He found him in the middle of a "toothpaste explosion."  Josh was trying desperately to push toothpaste back into the tube.

    "You dummy, Josh!" exclaimed Jason.  "Why can't you leave things alone?  I could swat you!"  As he began to clean up the mess, he continued to scold his little brother.

    "I'm sorry," whimpered Josh.  "I'll put it back."

    "You can't," growled Jason.  "Once toothpaste is out, it stays out."

    Josh began to cry.  "I really am a dummy," he sobbed.

    When Jason saw how upset his little brother was, he wished he hadn't been so harsh.  "No, Josh," he said, "you aren't a dummy."

    "But you said. . . ." began Josh.

    Jason rumpled his little brother's hair.  "Forget that.  I shouldn't have said it in the first place, and I'm sorry."

    When Mom and Dad came home, they heard all about the toothpaste episode.  "I'm a dummy," confessed Josh with trembling lips.

    "I told you you're not," protested Jason, "and I said I was sorry."

    "Josh, you were very naughty," said Mother, "and Jason, you were too hasty with your tongue.  I'm glad you apologized, but there's a lesson here.  Just like you can't get toothpaste back in the tube, you can't take back words that come out of your mouth.  Josh shouldn't play around with the toothpaste tube, but it's even more important to be careful of the words you say.  Make sure they are all pleasing to God."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes say things in anger?  Or do you sometimes say things jokingly, but you know they really hurt the one to whom you are talking?  Words can never be "unsaid."  The Bible says your speech is to be always "with grace."  If you follow this instruction, you won't have to worry about taking back mean words you have spoken.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Colossians 4:6  L)
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Carr family was on vacation, and one of the places they visited was Jewel Cave.  Ryan was excited about being in a cave.  He listened carefully as their tour guide, led them down the narrow paths.  He was fascinated by the different rock formations and was interested in hearing about the people who first explored the cave.

    "Now," said the guide as they stopped in a small opening, "In a few minutes, I'm going to turn off the lights.  Oh, bother, thought Ryan, you always hear about tour guides doing that.  Then they lecture on what real darkness is--just as though we've never been in the dark before.  But when the lights went out, Ryan was surprised.  Hey, this really is dark, he thought.  He could not even see his fingers, though he put them right in front of his eyes.  It was much darker than the darkest night he had ever seen!  At night Ryan could at least see shadows.

    The guide made a joke about leaving the people in the darkness while he went on coffee break.  Everyone laughed, including Ryan, but he felt a little shiver go up his back at the thought of being left in such darkness.  And suddenly it seemed he could hear his Bible club teacher telling the class that the Bible describes people who don't know Jesus as Savior as being lost in darkness.  Wow!  thought Ryan,  that's a scary place to be.  I'm glad our guide was just joking about leaving us in this dark cave.  But it's not a joke that people are in the darkness of sin.  I sure am glad I know Jesus as my Savior!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you still in darkness--the darkness of sin?  Jesus is called the Light of the world, and He is willing to take away the darkness from those who trust in Him.  Won't you ask Him to do that today?  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 8:12  T)
Then spake Jesus. . . saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

[Soldier4Christ]

David trudged home from school with an angry frown on his face.  The day had started off well.  His class sang "Happy Birthday" to him, morning recess was fun, and even lessons went well.  But then, during the last recess, everything went wrong.  "I lost my temper again today," he confessed after greeting Mother.  "We played ball, and some of the guys said I was out when I knew I was safe!  I lost my temper and said some things I wish I hadn't said."

    Mom studied him.  "Since you became a Christian, you've been working hard on not losing your temper, haven't you?"

    David nodded.  "I really try hard. . .I even counted to ten before I said those things, but I still said them.  I guess it's hopeless."

    "It's not hopeless," Mom assured him, "but I think maybe you're trying to change a difficult habit without depending on God."  She thought a moment, then pointed to a birthday cake standing on the cupboard.  It was shaped like a baseball and had yellow candles on top.  David's frown disappeared when he saw the cake.  "What do you think would happen if we'd take your cake outside and light the candles?"

    "Outside!" exclaimed David. "It wouldn't work!  It's too windy today.  They'd blow right out.  And it's cold outside, too."

    Mom nodded.  "Candles go out when a wind blows," she agreed. "They need to be sheltered.  And we're a little like candles."

    "We are?" asked David.

    Mom nodded.  "God tells us to let our lights shine for Him," she said.  "But sometimes the bad behavior of others acts like a cold wind, and our own determination to act like Christians isn't enough to shelter us.  We need to depend on God to keep our lights burning brightly."

    "But. . .how do we do that?" asked David slowly.

    "Instead of counting to ten when you feel angry, talk to God about it," suggested Mom.  "Ask Him to help you move away from the 'cold wind' whenever possible--that is, away from the situation that would make you lose your temper."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ask God for strength to master whatever sinful habit you may have?  Your own self-discipline is good, but without God's help it is weak and easily worn down.  He never meant for you to rely on your own strength, but to accept your weakness and turn to Him.  Rely on God.  He is the source of power over sin.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (James 4:7  S)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Carter family lived in a two-story house with many big trees surrounding it.  Jill especially liked the maple tree that grew outside her window.  She liked the sound of the leaves gently brushing against the glass.

    One spring day, Jill noticed a robin busily surveying the crook of a branch.  Soon a second bird flew up.  Jill stood absolutely still so she wouldn't frighten the birds.  As she watched, they began to build a nest.  The robins made many trips back and forth to the ground, gathering twigs and bits of leaves.  Jill had to laugh when she saw one of the birds use a piece of hair ribbon that she had lost in the snow sometime during the winter.

    Finally the nest was finished, and each day Jill checked to see if there was anything in it.  Sure enough, one morning she saw an egg.  The next day there was another. . .and soon four sky-blue eggs lay in the nest.  After that she watched even more closely, waiting for the babies to hatch.  Jill felt as if she had a front row seat when the tiny birds finally broke from their shells.  After that, the parent birds were kept busy feeding them.

    But then one day there was a terrible thunderstorm.  The branch swayed back and forth, and the nest swayed with it.  "How are the robins doing, Jill?" asked Dad, as he was passing her room.

    "The branch is swaying in the wind, but the mother robin is covering the babies with her wings so they won't get hurt," Jill answered.  "Isn't that neat?"

    Dad smiled.  "God uses that very picture--a mother bird spreading her wings to protect the babies--as an example of how He cares for us, His children.  That's neat, too, isn't it?"  With a grin, Jill nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
The Bible often uses "word pictures" to illustrate God's love for you.  When you think of a mother bird's care for her babies, let it remind you of how carefully and completely God protects you.  Keep that in mind whenever you feel afraid.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 91:4  H)
He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust.

[Soldier4Christ]

Traci dialed, then listened to the buzz of the phone ringing.   "Hello," said, a voice.áá"You're my third caller.  Please hang up and try again."  Traci did.  "Hello, you're my seventh caller," the voice said this time.  "Please hang up and try again."  One more time, thought Traci.  This time she heard, ". . .you're my eleventh caller.  Please hang up and try again."  Traci groaned.  "Oh, no!  Now it will be too late!" she said.

    Traci's favorite Christian music group, Sonshine, was coming to town, but by the time she heard about it, all the tickets had been sold.  Now the only way she could go was to win WJCL's radio contest.  Whenever they played a song by the group, they gave two tickets to the 12th caller.  Traci had been trying for two days to be a winner.  Her older sister, Donna, had promised to take her to the Saturday afternoon concert if she won tickets.  For an afternoon with her favorite band and her big sister, Traci just had to win!  But every time someone else won, she felt a little more discouraged.  She tried to feel happy for the winners, but she couldn't.   

    "Maybe I should pray that I'll win," said Traci when Donna asked her if she had won yet.  "God answers prayer if it's for good things, right?  Why wouldn't He want us to spend time together at a concert that praises Him?"

    "Well, we should pray about it," agreed Donna, "but then we should trust God to work it out for the best and be content whether He lets you win or not."  She smiled at her little sister.  "Prayer can be like calling in to win a radio contest," continued Donna.  "You can't win a radio contest if you don't try making calls, and you can't get answers to prayer unless you pray.  But unlike a radio contest, you do always get through to God  when you pray, even if it doesn't seem that way.  God hears and He's pleased to have you bring your requests to Him."

    Traci was quiet.  She had given up on praying for some things when she hadn't gotten the answer she wanted.  "Hey, Traci, isn't that song 'Blessings' by Sonshine?" Donna prompted.

    "Oh, yes, it is," squealed Traci.  She ran to the phone to try once more to be the 12th caller.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you sometimes wonder if God hears when you pray?  Do you wonder if He's "taking other calls" at the same time you're praying?  He is, but He's so powerful that He can take care of everyone at once and not make any mistakes.  He knows what's best for all of His people--including you!  Keep communicating with Him.  He wants to hear from you and show you His will by His answers.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Psalm 34:15  T)
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.

[Soldier4Christ]

Mom, may I bake a cake? asked Cindy.

    "Sure," said Mother with a smile, "but I'm going to be busy, so I won't be able to help.  Be sure to follow the directions exactly."

    Cindy got to work.  She carefully measured the correct amount of each ingredient she needed.  But when the finished product looked and tasted awful, she was almost in tears.

    "What's up?" asked Dad, walking into the kitchen, and Cindy explained about the ruined cake.  "Oh, no!" Dad exclaimed.  "I know what happened.  I stopped at the grocery store on the way home last night, remember?  Well, the bag ripped and a few things fell out.  Nothing broke, but the box of salt was leaking.  When I saw that the sugar canister was empty, I poured the salt into it and threw the box away.  I meant to mention it, but then the phone rang and I forgot."

    "So what I thought was sugar was really salt?" Cindy asked.  "I can't believe I wouldn't have noticed that!"

    "I'm surprised, too, but it's my fault, and I'm sorry, Cindy."  Dad gave her a hug.

    "What a perfect illustration for Pastor's message last Sunday," commented Mother.  "He talked about the verse in Isaiah where people said evil was good, remember?  And they said light was darkness and that bitter was sweet.  Of course, salt isn't bitter, but the idea is still the same."

    "Right."  Dad nodded.  "That canister said sugar, but that didn't make it sugar.  It was still salt, and so the cake was ruined.  That's not so bad, because you can make another cake.  But if people say a thing is good when God says it's evil--and if they say things are evil when God says they're good--that can ruin an entire life.  That's not so easy to fix!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you know what things God says are good?  Do you know what things God says are evil?  In today's world many people change it around so that the good seems to be evil and the evil seems to be good.  It's sad that so many people think that things like dishonesty, immorality, and cheating are sometimes okay.  That isn't true.  Know what God says in His Word, and follow His guidelines.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Isaiah 5:20  W)
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!